"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins who took their lamps and went forth
to meet the Bridegroom. And five of them were wise and five were foolish. Those who were foolish
took their lamps and took no oil with them; but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
While the Bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry
made, Behold the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him" (Matt. 25:1-6).

How long, O Lord our Saviour,
Wilt Thou remain away?
Our hearts are growing weary
At Thy so long delay;
O when shall come the moment,
When, brighter far than morn,
The sunshine of Thy glory
Shall on Thy people dawn?

How long, O gracious Master,
Wilt Thou Thy household leave?
So long Thou now hast tarried,
Few Thy return believe:
Immersed in sloth and folly,
Thy servants, Lord, we see;
And few of us stand ready
With joy to welcome Thee.

How long, O heavenly Bridegroom!
How long wilt Thou delay?
And yet how few are grieving
That Thou dost absent stay:
Thy very bride her portion
And calling hath forgot,
And seeks for ease and glory
Where Thou, her Lord, art not.

Oh, wake the slumbering virgins,
To heed the solemn cry;
Let all Thy saints repeat it_
"The Bridegroom draweth nigh!"
May all our lamps be burning,
Our loins well girded be;
Each longing heart preparing
With joy Thy face to see.

(In Hymns and Sacred Poems by James G. Deck (1802-1884); also condensed in Hymns of Grace
and Truth.)